Equatorial Plasma Bubbles: Mechanisms, Variability, and Impacts on Communication Systems

Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) represent a significant focus within the space weather research due to their ability to disrupt radio signal propagation and degrade the performance of modern communication and navigation systems. These plasma depletions originate in the Earth’s equatorial ionosphere, often appearing after sunset, and can rise to several hundred kilometers in altitude, affecting the transmission of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and other vital technologies. Recent advancements in both ground-based and space-based tools for observing the ionosphere have enhanced data collection, enabling detailed analyses of EPB variability. Despite this progress, fundamental gaps persist in understanding the primary drivers of EPB occurrence, factors influencing the onset and evolution of Rayleigh–Taylor instability, the role of pre-reversal enhancement of electric fields, and longitudinal variability across the globe. Current modeling efforts face challenges in reconciling observational evidence with theoretical predictions, limiting accurate forecasting and timely mitigation strategies.

This Research Topic aims to advance the scientific understanding and predictive capabilities surrounding EPBs by uniting observational, theoretical, and modeling approaches. The objectives include clarifying the physical mechanisms responsible for EPB formation and growth, characterizing their spatial and temporal dynamics in different regions, and improving risk assessments for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), radio communication, and space-based infrastructure. The goal is also to foster collaborations that drive technological solutions to minimize the negative impacts of these ionospheric disturbances and contribute to the resilience of essential services dependent on reliable signal transmission.

The scope of this Research Topic is focused on the formation, evolution, and consequences of equatorial plasma bubbles, specifically in relation to their effects on communication and navigational systems. Studies examining polar or mid-latitude plasma instabilities without direct relevance to EPBs are outside the intended boundaries.

We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Modelling and observations of physical mechanisms behind EPB formation.
- Analysis of EPB dynamics in different longitudinal zones.
- Investigation of EPB spill-over events and their triggers.
- Effects of EPBs on GNSS, satellite-based, and terrestrial radio systems.
- Development and validation of techniques for EPB detection, nowcasting, and forecasting.
- Mitigation strategies to reduce EPB impacts on technology and infrastructure.

We welcome a range of submissions, including original research articles, reviews, methods papers, brief research reports, and perspectives.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Equatorial plasma bubbles, EPBs, Ionospheric irregularities, Rayleigh–Taylor instability, Pre-reversal enhancement (PRE), GNSS scintillation, GNSS outages, Longitudinal variability, EPB detection, EPB nowcasting, EPB forecasting, Space weather impacts

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.